Government Requires Caller ID Display for All Incoming Calls Starting November 1
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated that telecom operators implement Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) by November 1, 2026. This service will display the caller’s name on the recipient’s phone without requiring any separate sign-up. Initially, CNAP will be available on 4G and higher networks, with plans for future rollout on 2G, 3G, and landline networks.
When a call is received, the recipient’s screen will show the caller’s number along with their name. If the number is saved in the recipient’s contacts, the stored name will appear. For unsaved domestic numbers, the name recorded in the caller’s telecom operator’s subscriber records will be displayed. International calls will be treated differently; if the number is not saved, the screen will show “International Call” instead of the caller’s name.
How will telecom operators identify callers?
Telecom operators will maintain a database linking the calling name identity of their users with their assigned telecommunication identifiers. When a call reaches the recipient’s network, the terminating telecom service provider will retrieve the relevant name from this database for display. The DoT’s directive applies to all telecom service providers authorized to offer access services, requiring them to implement CNAP across their service areas by the specified date.
Will names of all callers be displayed?
Users who have opted for the calling line identification restriction (CLIR) facility will not have their calling name identity displayed. For other callers, the name shown will depend on whether their number is saved in the recipient’s contacts or, if not, the applicable rules for domestic and international calls. Telecom operators may also offer businesses and users with bulk connections the option to display a preferred name instead of the name recorded in their subscriber data.
Businesses can use registered trade names
Businesses wishing to use a preferred name must meet specific verification requirements. The name must be a registered trademark or a trade name registered on the Goods and Services Tax portal. For new connections, the preferred name must be included in both the customer application form and the subscriber data record. Existing connections will require a mechanism for businesses to apply for preferred name updates, which will be processed after verification.
Data retention and security safeguards
The DoT has established safeguards to protect communications and ensure the quality of telecom services is not compromised. Operators must adopt a security-by-design approach, ensuring that the calling name identity is not retained after the call is completed. They must also ensure their infrastructure can efficiently handle queries related to calling name identity. Users will have access to a grievance redressal mechanism for complaints related to the service, with telecom providers required to maintain appropriate measures for addressing these grievances. The DoT’s instructions reference recommendations from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India regarding CNAP implementation.
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